A robot holds a tea tray at the seventh China International Tea Expo in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Tide News]

The seventh China International Tea Expo opened in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province on May 21.

As the only national-level tea exhibition in China, the expo serves as a key platform for tea-related exchange and cooperation. This year's event features 2,500 booths spread across six exhibition halls, showcasing the entire tea industry chain — from traditional teas and tea ware to tea-infused food and cutting-edge tea technology.

In addition to product displays, the expo emphasizes cultural engagement. Visitors can experience interactive activities such as cha bai xi, a traditional tea art that involves whisking powdered tea to create intricate patterns on the surface of the tea foam. On-site demonstrations of tea leaf frying and brewing techniques further highlight the richness of Chinese tea culture.

Hangzhou is widely regarded as one of China's tea capitals thanks to its rich tea culture. Home to Longjing Tea, one of China's most famous green teas, the city boasts a long history of tea cultivation and appreciation. In recent years, it has actively promoted its tea culture by blending tradition with innovation, helping preserve and share the legacy of Chinese tea culture at home and abroad.

A tea leaf frying performance is staged on the sidelines of the expo. [Photo/Tide News]